Kirkwood United Way Campaign: Volunteer. Invest. Advocate.
Kirkwood Community College and United Way share a commitment to creating opportunities and strengthening our communities. The United Way of East Central Iowa (UECI) and the United Way of Johnson and Washington counties (UWJW) collaborate with community stakeholders in Kirkwood’s seven-county service area to support communities and improve lives.
Through Kirkwood’s annual United Way campaign, employees can help support programs, partnerships, and organizations making a difference across Eastern Iowa — including work with direct connections to Kirkwood.
There are three important ways to get involved: Volunteer. Invest. Advocate.
Every action matters. Find the way that works for you.
Ready to make a difference? Make your pledge today.
United is the Way
United Way of East Central Iowa
Volunteer
Give Your Time and Talent
Making a difference doesn’t always mean making a financial contribution.
United Way connects people with nonprofit organizations throughout Eastern Iowa that need volunteers. Whether you have a few hours to give, want to volunteer with colleagues, or are looking for an ongoing opportunity, your time and talents can make a meaningful difference.
Every year, Kirkwood participates in the United Way Day of Caring with UWECI and UWJW. Service and community engagement are core to Kirkwood’s mission, and opportunities like Day of Caring allow our staff to make a meaningful impact beyond our campus walls.
Ready to get involved?
EXPLORE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Invest
Invest in Our Community
When you give through Kirkwood’s United Way campaign, you join colleagues and community members investing in programs, partnerships, and organizations working to make Eastern Iowa stronger.
United Way brings people and resources together to address community needs and create lasting solutions. Your contribution becomes part of that collective effort — supporting work that can make a difference for our students, our neighbors, and the communities we call home.
Make Your Pledge Online
Participating is simple. Use Kirkwood’s online pledge form to make a one-time contribution or set up a payroll deduction. Donations automatically go directly to the United Way represented by your home zip code unless they are specifically designated. This means your gift will make a difference in your local community.
Every gift matters. Together, we can make an even greater impact.
Advocate
Use Your Voice
United Way provides opportunities to learn more about issues affecting Eastern Iowa, engage with community leaders, and advocate for solutions that help people and communities thrive.
By staying informed and using your voice, you can help bring attention to community needs and be part of creating meaningful change.
Learn more about how you can get involved.
EXPLORE ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
However you choose to participate, you're joining Kirkwood colleagues and community partners who believe stronger communities are built when we work together.
United Way Supports Kirkwood and Our Community
The partnership between Kirkwood and United Way reaches students, families, older adults, employers, and communities throughout our region.
Here are just a few examples of that impact:
The Opportunity Center
The Opportunity Center at Ladd Library is a partnership between the Cedar Rapids Public Library, Kirkwood, United Way of East Central Iowa and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. This unique partnership connects people’s work and career goals with employment opportunities that offer livable wages. It provides resources for education, job training and placement, financial literacy and more that are supported by local employers.
Workplace Learning Connection
Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection helps students explore careers and connect classroom learning with the world of work. Through partnerships with schools and employers, students gain valuable career awareness and work-based learning experiences that can help them make informed decisions about their futures.
Heritage Area Agency on Aging
Housed at Kirkwood, Heritage Area Agency on Aging serves older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers throughout our region. Its services help people remain independent, connected, and supported in the communities they call home.
Kirkwood Foundation
The Kirkwood Foundation creates opportunities for students and strengthens the college through scholarships and other support. Its work helps more students access education and resources as they pursue their goals.
KCCK 88.3 FM
Kirkwood’s award-winning public radio station, KCCK, serves Eastern Iowa through music, education, culture, and community programming. KCCK also provides educational opportunities that help students develop their skills and gain real-world experience.
Our Impact Reaches Even Further
Many agencies throughout Kirkwood’s seven-county service area benefit from United Way support. Together, these organizations address important needs and create opportunities for people throughout the communities Kirkwood serves.
When Kirkwood employees support United Way, we become part of a larger network of people and organizations working together to make Eastern Iowa stronger.
Your support stays close to home. And its impact reaches across our community.
Three Great Ways to Get Involved
1. Jeans Day stickers are back! Here’s your chance to wear jeans to work for 15 days. Get your Jeans Day donation form here!
2. Donate online with E-Pledge. (The login is your Kirkwood email and the password is your k-number.)
Your donation will automatically be directed to the United Way agency for the county you work in (either UWECI or UWJWC). To designate any portion of your donation to a different United Way agency (or non-United Way agency), select the “Do you want to designate your gift?” box. Search and select the agency of your choice.
3. Mail your donation. Here’s how to support the two local United Way agencies:
- To support United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), print and mail in a paper pledge form.
- To support United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties (UWJWC), print and mail in a paper pledge form.
- For payroll deduction, send the form to Linda Arens in HR (313 Kirkwood Hall).
About United Way
Did you know that United Way helps support Kirkwood programs? You can designate your pledge to one of Kirkwood’s qualifying areas: Kirkwood Foundation, Jazz 88.3 KCCK, Workplace Learning Connection, as well as the Heritage Agency on Aging. In addition, many fine agencies within our seven-county service area benefit greatly from your support.
Questions?
For questions about Kirkwood's United Way campaign, contact Jessica Cortez at 319-398-5572.
For questions about online pledges or payroll deduction, contact Linda Arens at 319-398-4487.